Hon Ron “Bozzie” Boswell AO (9 December 1940 – 6 January 2026)
Wendy Joy Francis farewells a loyal friend and unique politician.
My first connection with Qld Senator Ron Boswell came by way of a phone call ‘summons’ to meet with him in his Brisbane office. He had heard of a church in the city that had been given the responsibility to run the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols, and he wanted to hear all about it. That first meeting ended with the Senator’s staff being ordered to join us in his office in order to listen to my husband Peter share a short (impromptu!) encouragement from the Bible. It was a pattern that followed our friendship with Ron. He was direct. You never wondered what he was thinking! But following on from that first meeting, we came to know Ron as a loyal friend, despite remaining intimidating at times. I remember one time when I worked from his Canberra Parliamentary office for a week at his invitation, so that I could witness firsthand the inner workings. It was frenetic! But I came to understand also that not every Senator’s office was that busy or that productive! I personally was at the end of his displeasure more than once, but I never doubted his intention, nor his continued respect. Surely, that’s true friendship – one that survives, and even thrives, despite holding a difference of opinion at times. Australia needs this ability now more than ever.
The sincere and warm condolences being given from political friends and opponents alike bear witness to Ron’s ability to debate well and respectfully. Our mutual friend, Michael Choi, former ALP MP, commended Ron for his service to Qld, referring to him as a “man of principle and integrity”. Prime Minister Albanese, in offering his condolences, described Ron as being “someone who was firmly focused on the national interest”. Former PM Tony Abbott believes SenatorBoswell was one of our ‘great parliamentarians’ and that his qualities came from his “humility plus passion for what’s right, ‘as God gives us to see the right’”.
Ron was a man of faith with strong opinions. During his 32 years in the Senate, he spoke against abortion, euthanasia and same-sex marriage. He had a fierce hatred of racist extremism, believing that the far right poses a danger to the unity of this country and to the people he represented. His support base was broad, particularly strong amongst often disenfranchised constituencies such as small business owners, fishers, banana growers, pharmacists and post office franchisees. After retiring, Ron continued to fight for what he believed in, and particularly for rural Australia.
Many, including myself, consider him a political genius. Ron left school early, never earned a degree, worked as an office boy and a paint-brush salesman, built a successful business, before being given the privilege of sitting and debating with the leadership of this nation that he loved, only eclipsed by his love for God and his family, who were close. He retired from the Senate on his own terms in 2014 after 32 years – a rare feat in politics. His life contributed to a better Australia and should be aninspiration to all who also desire to make a difference.
Ron Boswell will be missed. There was so much that was endearing about the man – the way his hair was always rumpled, his tie was askew and his door open to ones such as me who valued his opinion and advice. I will miss seeing his name come up on my phone on a regular basis, usually to give me a word of advice! He has left a positive legacy in our nation and a hole in the lives of those who knew and loved him. I’m grateful to have been such a one. “I thank my God upon every remembrance” Philippians 1:3
Image: Ron Boswell in the Senate. Image Credit: YT Wikimedia